More rec fishing opportunities with artificial reef extensions

[Mark Robinson MP]

More rec fishing opportunities with artificial reef extensions

Two artificial reefs in Moreton Bay Marine Park are being extended this week, as a barge lowers 224 giant balls of concrete to increase the fishable area.

Member for Cleveland Mark Robinson said the $265,000 “reef balls” project would add to the fun of fishing in Moreton Bay.

“The Newman Government is committed to opening up our National and Marine Park areas for all Queensland residents and visitors to enjoy, and projects like this are an important part of that plan”, Dr Robinson said.

"The artificial reefs are good for recreational fishing, support marine life and take pressure off other reefs in Moreton Bay," Dr Robinson said.

"This increase in artificial reef will produce a better inshore fishing experience for families, and improve the sustainability of the Bay without locking rec fishers out as Labor-Green Governments continue to do.”

“The design of the ‘reef balls’ will attract more fish to Moreton Bay Marine Park, Queensland’s most popular natural playground with domestic visitors, which draws an estimated 12.4 million visits a year.

“Anyone near Peel or Coochiemudlo islands this week may have seen the 700kg moulded concrete domes with holes in their sides being lowered by a crane into the water, and I’d encourage people to get out on the water and check out the new additions as soon as possible.”

Dr Robinson said works started on Tuesday 11 June, and was completed on Wednesday morning.

West of Peel Island, 128 balls have being added to the existing reef, while 96 balls have been added to the reef east of Coochiemudlo Island.

“Moreton Bay Marine Park has six artificial reefs – these were created using a range of materials, from a vessel deliberately sunk, to purpose-built structures like the reef balls,” he said.

Maps for East Coochie and West Peel are available at http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/moreton-bay/zoning/trial_artificial_reef_program.html#West_Peel (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/moreton-bay/zoning/trial_artificial_reef_program.html#West_Peel) and will be updated over the next few days, with the new installations located within the dedicated special activity area.

[STUIE63]

Mark do you know there is more to fishing than just Moreton bay

[cobiaman]

What about 1line, 1 hook per angler in green zones mark, like you promised???

[tunaticer]

Old news Mark, seeing you are a guy with the finger on the pulse, how about bringing forward new news and proposing new concepts and ideas to help the fishery across the state?
Stop trying to ride a small donkey for political gain and bring into the world something worthy of your votes.
Make a difference somehow.

[Mark Robinson MP]

Hey Jack
Not sure how the new artificial reef balls put in place Tuesday and today is old news. Unless you operate in back to the future mode. Will be in Bayside Bulletin on Friday. And unlike the Labor-Greens we did it without making new Labor-Green lockout zones, just as we said !! Or maybe you like Green zones, but I don't. I never supported the use of artis as compensation for Green zones. My view continues to be to put more artis into Moreton Bay and elsewhere, without lockouts. And further, I want to see rec fishing access to selected MNPs where there is no significant environmental risk or damage, and no loss of biodiversity. This is something I will continue to advocate for while-ever I am the state MP for Cleveland and while-ever the evidence supports that.

[gunna]

Excellent news. Any chance of some in the Northern part of the Bay ?

[Steeler]

Hi Mark

Plenty of questions in other threads you have started or contributed to, ya reckon you have time to swing by and answer some of them ?.

Just Ask'n

[cobiaman]

Hi Mark

Plenty of questions in other threads you have started or contributed to, ya reckon you have time to swing by and answer some of them ?.

Just Ask'n

Dont hold ya breath....

Just say'n

[Lucky_Phill]

mmmmmmmmm

posted yesterday at 6.14pm

http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/showthread.php?193092-Reef-Ball-updates.-MBMP


LP

[Mark Robinson MP]

Hi Mark

Plenty of questions in other threads you have started or contributed to, ya reckon you have time to swing by and answer some of them ?.

Just Ask'n

Have always tried to answer what I can when I have had time.
What's on your mind?

[Lucky_Phill]

I suppose the question has to be asked, so might as well be me.

Is this $265,000 and deployment of these reef balls, the left-overs from the MBMP arti reef program formed during the labor Government ? , or is this funded by the LNP's Marine Infrastructure Program funds ?

Thanks in advance......



LP

[Jarrah Jack]

Hey Mark I'm curious about the one hook, line per angler in marine parks policy.

Would it be more likely to happen when Labor and the greens are booted out nationally?

If you can't answer then I'll take it as a positive with you not being able to give those greenies any ammunition before the election.

[Lucky_Phill]

I'll provide a quick answer on this.

There was never a " policy " on the one hook, green zone thing.

Just because a politician tells you what they want or would like, does not make it policy for their party, and this is the great misunderstanding in politics these days. he said / she said and determining between promises, core promises, statements, likes, dislikes, proposals, commitments, truth and more.

I do believe there was a promise / statement to " review the MBMP zoning ".

All IMO.



LP

[Jarrah Jack]

Thats not an answer Phidoublel. I'll call it" idea" then. Its a revolutionary idea and would have ramifications throughout the country which is why I'm interested in the conceptualization of the idea.

[Lucky_Phill]

Thanks.... but you do see my point of " interpretation of wording and misunderstandings ".

Yes, the idea has great merit and would be considered on a zone by zone basis, I believe.


LP

[Mark Robinson MP]

I suppose the question has to be asked, so might as well be me.

Is this $265,000 and deployment of these reef balls, the left-overs from the MBMP arti reef program formed during the labor Government ? , or is this funded by the LNP's Marine Infrastructure Program funds ?




Thanks in advance......
LP

Hi Phill. While I don't have the full details to answer that, I believe this was new funding provided by Natiional Parks & Wildlife Services. It is not a continuatiion of DERM as DERM no longer exists and DERM minister Kate Jones advised me that the funds had all been spent. To my knowledge none of it has come through the marine infrastructure fund that I established, though new artis can be applied for through the fund - by local fishing groups

[Moonlighter]

I never supported the use of artis as compensation for Green zones. My view continues to be to put more artis into Moreton Bay and elsewhere, without lockouts.

Mark, with respect, the negotiation of artificial reefs as compensation as part of the Labor green zones in the MBMP was the ONLY TIME recreational anglers have got ANY sort of compensation for losing valuable fishing areas to politically motivated green zones.

It was a first in Australia and possibly worldwide and set the precedent that its is not only the commercial sector that deserves compensation for loss of access.

Those of us involved worked long hours and negotiated hard on behalf of rec anglers to get this result. We didn't want green zones, they were forced on us. We would rather have had no green zones. But that wasn't going to happen. Green politics saw to that.

Would you rather we had got nothing??

I am really hoping that what you meant was that developing artificial reef programs should not be contingent on losing areas to green zones. I would agree with that.

Grant

[Feral]

[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]“The Newman Government is committed to opening up our National and Marine Park areas for all Queensland residents and visitors to enjoy, and projects like this are an important part of that plan”

So who lives in the state of "Newman" and why is their Government doing the work the Queensland Government should be doing?

[Mark Robinson MP]

[QUOTE=Moonlighter;

I am really hoping that what you meant was that developing artificial reef programs should not be contingent on losing areas to green zones. I would agree with that.

Grant[/QUOTE]

Grant,
Yes, I agree with your assessment. Well done for what you achieved. That is why we will not deliver Green zones, rather more artis wherever local groups want them and work through the marine infrastructure fund.
Regards
Mark

[Mark Robinson MP]

Excellent news. Any chance of some in the Northern part of the Bay ?
Gunna, contact Kerry Millard, LNP member for Sandgate. She may be able to help. You will need a local rec group to put up a proposal for the marine infrastructure fund (TMR).
Mark

[Mike Delisser]

I'll provide a quick answer on this.

There was never a " policy " on the one hook, green zone thing.

Just because a politician tells you what they want or would like, does not make it policy for their party, and this is the great misunderstanding in politics these days. he said / she said and determining between promises, core promises, statements, likes, dislikes, proposals, commitments, truth and more.

I do believe there was a promise / statement to " review the MBMP zoning ".

All IMO.
LP

Never say never
A release from the LNP

Mr Lawrence Springborg MP
28 February 2009
"The LNP is being up-front and honest about our policies for Moreton Bay fishing and I challenge Anna Bligh to do the same."
Key Policy Points

The LNP will:
1. Increase compensation to be paid to commercial fishers from $15M to $20M.
2. Keep all proposed zones in place while an LNP Government conducts a full independent scientific analysis of the basis of zonings.
3. Provide $3m for the study, to be completed within 12 months.
4. In the interim, limited fishing by recreational fishers would be authorised within zones on the following basis:
a. Allow recreational fishing only with one line in ALL green zones.
b. No change to the proposed two lines in ALL yellow zones.
5. These interim arrangements would remain in place until the study was complete and permanent arrangements based on the findings of the study implemented.
---------------------------------------
Policy Comparison Table

Green Zones

Labor
No commercial fishing
No recreational fishing

LNP
No commercial fishing
Recreational fishing one line per person


Yellow Zones

Labor
No commercial fishing
Recreational fishing two lines per person

LNP
No commercial fishing
Recreational fishing two lines per person


Commercial fishing compensation package

Labor
$15 million

LNP
$20 million

[Mike Delisser]

.....................................

[snapperdan]

HI mark. Is the data that your govt has used to evaluate the value, viability and effect on the environment (and other things boffins think of) available for perusal . I would think there are quite a few groups south of the border who would love to see a few hundred reef balls placed in spots around NSW. The pittwater / hawkesbury/ broken bay area comes to mind as an area that would benefit greatly from reef balls. Was the cost of the balls at $265k including installation and management and other stuff only public servants think of.
IF you could provide the information for us south of the border so we may try and grab some funds from the NSW rec fishing trust.

[Steeler]

Are you sure you are not making that up Mike or maybe you just misunderstood ?.

[Muddy Toes]

What kind of rig should I use around these new reef balls Mark?

[Mike Delisser]

Are you sure you are not making that up Mike or maybe you just misunderstood ?.

Posting things you made up would get you banned Steeler
Rule number 1

Chat Board Rules
You agree, through your use of this Chat Board, that you will not post any material which is false.

[Mike Delisser]

What kind of rig should I use around these new reef balls Mark?
Does anyone know how high they are?
If they are actually only 50cm high I would think if you set tied a dropper that far above your lead you'd be fine.

[Steeler]

Posting things you made up would get you banned Steeler
Rule number 1

Chat Board Rules
You agree, through your use of this Chat Board, that you will not post any material which is false.


Maybe that presser release statement has a new home under one of those arti's.

[TREVELLY]

Does anyone know how high they are?
If they are actually only 50cm high I would think if you set tied a dropper that far above your lead you'd be fine.

They look just like this

93672

Muddy don't fish with a crane you will lift them off the bottom

[ozscott]

http://www.baysidebulletin.com.au/story/1570139/reef-balls-to-hook-anglers-at-peel-and-coochie/?cs=213

Photos 2 in that series shows what the fish see if the hole hasnt been silted over.

According to the ReefBall site the ones on the west are fishing well and it doesnt take long to reach the bag limit...?? (of toad fish).

Cheers

[Mark Robinson MP]

HI mark. Is the data that your govt has used to evaluate the value, viability and effect on the environment (and other things boffins think of) available for perusal . I would think there are quite a few groups south of the border who would love to see a few hundred reef balls placed in spots around NSW. The pittwater / hawkesbury/ broken bay area comes to mind as an area that would benefit greatly from reef balls. Was the cost of the balls at $265k including installation and management and other stuff only public servants think of.
IF you could provide the information for us south of the border so we may try and grab some funds from the NSW rec fishing trust.

Dan, see answer in other thread - by Phill Kleise

[Mark Robinson MP]

What kind of rig should I use around these new reef balls Mark?

See Mike's answer, but probably any rig that has the sinker at the end and hook(s) off the bottom would be advisable.

[Steeler]

Hi Mark

Appreciate your busy however you did say ask away with a question. Can you clear up the confusion that there appears to be between Lucky Phill and Mr D in post 21 please ?.

Cheers

[manta man]

Mr Robinson you say your looking after the "Rec and Family Fishos mmm.. but are you really! I THINK NOT. Ah the Rainbow Beach mmm... "FAMILY FISHING CLASSIC". Great thing for the "Local Economy" especially after several years of Bad Weather and the overall Economy. (Yes i know a lot of People have suffered throughout this Country). You know, i think you should "Personally Go And Spend The Week Up There, and ask all the Family Fishos and their Children, about the OVERALL CATCH RATE. I'm sure the response will be "All Fished Out Mate No Fish HERE, BlOODY NETTERS. So why don't you mmm... say Lets Stop the Netting from the Noosa River to Inskip Point for a say a Duration of 2 Weeks whilst the comp is on and "Pay Some Type of Compensation". Oh and by the way, do actually believe the Netters, are helping the Economy In That Area mmm. Just remember "Peoples Actions Are Louder Than Words. Cheers Manta Man

[nathank]

manta.. have a look at the thread wrong wrong wrong... How are we meant to convince the pollys that beach netting is no good when there is a heap of people on here, who arent pros, supposed to be avid rec fisherman....(why else woud you be part of a rec fishing forum) but think beach netting is ok??????

[Mark Robinson MP]

Mr Robinson you say your looking after the "Rec and Family Fishos mmm.. but are you really! I THINK NOT. Ah the Rainbow Beach mmm... "FAMILY FISHING CLASSIC". Great thing for the "Local Economy" especially after several years of Bad Weather and the overall Economy. (Yes i know a lot of People have suffered throughout this Country). You know, i think you should "Personally Go And Spend The Week Up There, and ask all the Family Fishos and their Children, about the OVERALL CATCH RATE. I'm sure the response will be "All Fished Out Mate No Fish HERE, BlOODY NETTERS. So why don't you mmm... say Lets Stop the Netting from the Noosa River to Inskip Point for a say a Duration of 2 Weeks whilst the comp is on and "Pay Some Type of Compensation". Oh and by the way, do actually believe the Netters, are helping the Economy In That Area mmm. Just remember "Peoples Actions Are Louder Than Words. Cheers Manta Man

Manta man. FYI I do attend fishing challenges and classics. I have attended the Moreton Bay Challenge each year, with the exception of this year due to a clash in schedules. I also have spoken to rec fishermen who are angry about netters who have worked the area where they also fish, taking much of the catch. I have also spoken with netters who try to run a small business under their valid licence while trying to do the right thing by rec fishers. The government is trying to do the right thing by both groups. One step the Fisheries minister has taken is to implement the policy I put in place when I was Shadow minister, to buyback net fishing licences. Hopefully this will remove some of the pressure between the two groups and reduce fishing pressure.
Regards
Mark

[Slider]

While I praise the intent of the buy back scheme Mark, there is no intention to reduce fishing pressure in the Cooloola/Fraser Is region where fishing pressure continues to escalate.

The netters are unhappy that they are finding it increasingly difficult to earn a living from the region, anglers are unhappy that it has become near impossible to catch a feed and the environmental consequences of the fishing pressure continue to manifest.

When we met prior to the last election with Glen Elmes and Ted Sorensen who both argued with me for a recreational fishing haven for the area, we parted with the understanding that funds for a buy back would be sought. However, that's as far as it went and Glen informed me a couple of weeks later that I shouldn't hold my breath for anything to eventuate.

FQ and Minister McVeigh keep telling me that this fishery is sustainable and that tailor numbers are recovering. The catch data evidence clearly show that this is quite the opposite of the reality and I can assure you from my daily personal observations that this stretch of coastline is becoming, or rather has become, a barren wasteland.

The hundreds of thousands of tourists that camp on Teewah Beach each year are no longer fishing as they have found that to be a pointless exercise and drinking and drug taking are predominating as the reason to camp here for an increasing number.

The societal consequences, the environmental consequences and the economic consequences of allowing commercial fishing pressure to increase unabated are apparent to all, except that is, to the people responsible for not permitting such a situation to occur.

But here we are - it's happened, and there is no intent to do a damn thing about it. Artis can't help surf species, beach fishers or terns, and fishing in green zones is of no value to beach anglers either. We must reduce the commercial fishing pressure as anglers aren't applying any - we can no longer catch anything.

Lindsay Dines

[Lucky_Phill]

The government is trying to do the right thing by both groups.
Mark

Thanks for the response Mark, but I must ask about the above quote. If this is so, why has the LNP removed Recreational Fishing from FQ. There is no manager anymore and with no manager, is there even a department or section that looks at / after recreational fishers ?

cheers LP

[Gazza]

Mark deserved-MP , please do MORE quicker/faster...
McVeigh ain't even a RecFishos rsole imo , please steer him & get outcomes for RecFishos , from the sidelines , hopefully just a temp. position
Thankyou for feeble and understandable limited efforts m8
Gazza

[DRAGMAN]

Hey Mark

I'm happy your involved to answer the fishing community with any questions they have about the reef ball additions. I am all for sustainable fishing. I never take more than I need. See my posts if you wish.

I have a question for you. I do not mean this in any menace way at all.

Question:So if you don't like green zones, what are you doing about them?........

Do you have other options other than the artificial reefs with which you push?

Thanks

[Mark Robinson MP]

Hi Lindsay. I understand the dilemma and the differing perspectives. While I am interested to help if I could somehow, as the local MP for Cleveland I cannot solve this for your region. I suggest you take it up again with the local state and fed MPs - Ted Sorenson, David Gibson etc.

[Mark Robinson MP]

Hey Phill. My understanding is that rec fishing is still mainly under FQ. But some aspects, eg Fishing in marine parks is now under National Parks. Tourism is also looking at how it can grow rec fishiing.

[Mark Robinson MP]

Dragman. I have never felt there was sufficient evidence to show that rec fishermen were damaging the Bay's fish stocks. I have raised this injustice with the relevant ministers since coming to govt and will continue to work with them and to advocate for solutions - at least for the part of Moreton Bay that I am the local MP.

[Steeler]

Hi Mark

Appreciate your busy however you did say ask away with a question. Can you clear up the confusion that there appears to be between Lucky Phill and Mr D in post 21 please ?.

Cheers


????????????????.

[Mark Robinson MP]

Hi Mark

Appreciate your busy however you did say ask away with a question. Can you clear up the confusion that there appears to be between Lucky Phill and Mr D in post 21 please ?.

Cheers

Happy to try to Steeler. Both Mike and Phill are correct. In 2009 the LNP's policy presented at the election by Lawrence Springborg was to permit rec fishers 1 line in the Green zones of Moreton Bay while further research was conducted. In the lead up to the 2012 election, as the Shadow minister for Fisheries, I was reviewing the LNP policy and preparing it for the election (as 3 years and 2 Opp leaders had passed). Before the policy review was completed, a document with a heading 'One line in Green Zones' was accidentally sent out to the media. It was assumed that the LNP must have adopted the same original policy as in 2009. The election then came and 3 fishing policies were announced - net licence buyback, marine infrastructure fund and fairer access for rec fishers. There was no direct promise or commitment publicly made that included the term Green zone. Campbell Newman attended the fishing event at the show grounds the day before the election where he committed to supporting rec fishers and boaties, but he made no mention of Green zones in his speech. I was asked about our policy of fairer access to which I replied (in the Brisbane Times) that we were not satisfied that the previous government has sufficient evidence to ban rec fishers from areas of Moreton Bay and that we would be looking at this with a view to not continuing any bans not based on science. So in short the fishing policies announced in the 2012 election did not include a statement that mentioned Green zones. It was not announced. Having said that, it is my view as a simple backbencher as the member for Cleveland and for Moreton Bay, where my electorate is located, that there is little evidence to support the continued lockout of recreational fishing activity from fish-rich areas of MB. So contrary to some media reports neither I nor Campbell promised to open up the Green zones to rec fishing, though this was the perception by many of what we meant. But as a lowly backbencher now in govt, I have called for action to be taken in the near future on this issue of fairer access for rec fishers in Moreton Bay. I hope that clears up any confusion.

[Steeler]

Thank you.